I've started this a day early to get things rolling. Plus, if you're reading this at work, don't forget to tell the boss that you're leaving early tomorrow (don't ask - tell).

All I'm hearing about Boston's advantage is Chara. Sure, he's big and a good defenseman, but what else do they have to scare us with? Thomas? Sorry, but we've already beaten one Vezina nominee. Thomas was schizophrenic against Tampa Bay - two shutouts and a lot of goals in the other games.

I don't see a clear advantage for Boston in any category, but they had do something to get the Final.

As for Game 1, I'm not expecting a great game (I hope they prove me wrong). Both teams have had a few days off, so it will be tough to ramp up the intensity. The teams don't know each other, so there will be a bit of a learning process right off the bat. Finally, neither team has been here in a long while - nobody will want to make a mistake.

Like us better up the middle, on the wings, and on the backend... granting that Chara can be worth two men all by himself, that said there D falls off fast right away after him. Goaltending is a complete "who knows" but in the unlikely event that one of them steals the series... well that's the ONLY way I see us not winning.

As for Game 1, I'm not expecting a great game (I hope they prove me wrong). Both teams have had a few days off, so it will be tough to ramp up the intensity. The teams don't know each other, so there will be a bit of a learning process right off the bat. Finally, neither team has been here in a long while - nobody will want to make a mistake.

Dunno, hope your wrong too .. Its the friggin Stanley Cup they are playing for - that should be enough to assure intensity. Hopefully AV will send the troops out Hitting just to take charge ..looking forward to a great game with our warriors ( Kesler, Burrows, Torres, Lapierre, Bieksa and Edler deliverying key hits in the first period ).. A tentative start is not in the Canucks best interest.. God would I love to see Ballard hip check Chara ( probably hip would only reach Chara's knee ? ) right into the Canucks bench .. wont happen but I can dream? ..

Speaking of hits... isn't it time for Edler to have one of those incredible bone crushing hits like a Freightliner on a tree type game? As you know every once in a while the stars align and his hitees wish they'd stayed in bed. It would be awesome if we could give the Bruins (who think they're tougher) a big f'n OH YA????

Playing at home, I think the Canucks will come out flying and the Bruins will try and hold them off the scoreboard for the first period. I expect this game to be a bit of a wild one before the teams start to learn how to defend against each other. It'll be interesting to see how they play with so much time off recently. Been looking forward to this game for a loooooong time. Let's all keep into perspective that this is only game 1.

No, Toucan, it's not that nothing else matters. It's that hitting sets the tone, fires up the team AND the fans. Hitting can lead to turnovers and therefore scoring chances. Gets the Bruins looking around a bit before they touch the puck. Gives us a split second more to get in on the forecheck. Encourages the opposition to move move the puck with a little more haste. That's what hitting is all about. It's not necessarily about attrition, although that can be an important side benefit.

But, enough. I'm wasting my time once again trying to explain one of the basic parts of the game to someone who can't (or won't) see it.

^ Nice clip! Yes - we need to hit their big defensemen. Shirking away from the physical play will come back to haunt us. Yes, it helps set the tone (as does an early goal), and in what could be a very physical series, we need to show Boston's D that they will need to keep their heads up.

And with that comes a tenacious forecheck (or vice versa).

We all talk about the speed, but I'd like to see 2 guys with speed - Hansen and Raymond - put their speed to use on the score sheet. It's frustrating when you see a Canuck speed down the wing, then notice it's one of these guys. I hope they prove me wrong with a good series - we'll need it.

Also, let's give another shout out to Gillis. At the deadline, we were all happy with our situation and not asking for a deal - then out of left field comes two great deals for players that have been a huge part of the playoffs. We're lucky to have an organization that has some (almost clairvoyant) foresight.

OK OK OK. Get in on the forecheck QUICKLY be using our team speed (and while your there, you might as well hit someone).

And even though the Bruins haven't been great on the PP, I think we need to stay out of the penalty box. Taking 5 penalties in the first and keeping the Sedins off the ice for far too much of the game won't work in our favour (even if the Bruins don't score on the PP).